Referrals to children’s mental health services ‘highest on record’

Around 507,738 young people have been referred to support services for their mental health, which Mind says is the highest figure on record.  

The charity says that the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic are key drivers behind the increase, with more than 50 per cent of all youth referrals for mental health problems coming from households with at least one parent who is struggling financially. 

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Young people dealing with such issues report sacrificing their social life, not joining extra-curricular activities or going out, prompting seclusion and loneliness. 

Teenager Denait comes from a low-income household and has experienced mental health issues for six years. 

He said: “I was aware of the money problems as a child; I felt I had to help as a kid. It made me not want to spend money, it made me anxious that I was being a burden. 

“Not being able to have the distraction of hanging out with my friends, I ended up feeling left out. I felt very by myself, and got used to being alone.” 

Nil Guzelgun, policy and campaigns manager at Mind calls for a the government to use a “two-pronged approach” to support families struggling with living costs.  

This includes implementing an essentials guarantee scheme “for households in receipt of universal credit”, to cover the cost of essentials like food and heating.  

She added: “They also should invest in a network of early support hubs for 11–to 25-year-olds, where young people can get help when they first need it, rather than being left to reach crisis point and needing more intensive, expensive support later on.  

“Only by addressing the root causes of poor mental health among young people can we address the rising number of people struggling.” 

Guzelgun’s comments came shortly before the government announced additional funding for 14 new children’s mental health hubs.